The Ritz-Carlton Hotel

Thailand

With the bulk of winter still to come, now is precisely the time to start considering a fully fledged escape to the tropics. Our top pick for this month is a luxurious, coconut-shaded, orchid-scented haven of decadence on one of Thailand’s most flawless islands. Laugh in the face of the winter blues as you lazily sun yourself on a lounger semi-submerged in the Ritz Carlton’s enormous infinity pool. Ward off those icy demons as you wallow in the crystalline waters that lap their two idyllic private beaches, frozen cocktail in hand.

Less than a year old, the newest addition to Koh Samui’s list of luxury hotels is as lavish as they come. Of its 175 suites and pool villas, those on the seafront, overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, are the ones to go for. Picture the sophistication and masculinity of a gentleman’s club with the textures of a sun- dappled mango grove, luxuriating over more square metres than your average London apartment, and you’ll get the general idea.

Food is a real highlight of a stay here and there are nine tempting restaurants to choose from. Sea Salt, a simple seafood grill found right on the beach, and Pak Thai, which serves traditional recipes from southern Thailand in beautiful, open-fronted pagodas, are our pick of the bunch.

The spa is like a miniature Atlantis with overwater treatment rooms populated by therapists pounding restorative pulps from fresh flowers. Opt for the coconut scrub followed by a hot-oil massage and watch that January feeling melt away for good. Or until next year, at least.

Doubles from £268.